I am not sure how many of you are fans of the popular show, Friends, but whenever I think of tanning, I always remember the episode with Ross Geller’s trip to the tanning salon for a “healthier glow”…Rest assured, your tanning experience will probably not be as dramatic as his. But my first tip after seeing that clip would definitely be, “Don’t count Mississippis” – in other words, use a timer!

Okay, okay. If you’ve never tried it before, I’m going to give you an idea of what to expect, as well as make sure you know what you need to do before actually walking into that booth with a shower cap. There’s a first time for everything and you don’t have to worry about feeling embarrassed that you need some clarification!

As a customer, you are entitled to all the necessary information and the salon should be able to answer any questions that you have about the process of spray tanning. (Otherwise, you might end up looking … let’s just say … not quite the shade you wanted.) If they can’t, or are impatient about it, it’s definitely a sign that you should look for another tanning salon because they are clearly not qualified to perform the service.

Moving on to some details about spray tanning. The color of spray tan that your friend recommended and looked great on her might not work for you, mainly because everyone’s skin tone and condition is different. Some I have mentioned the unfortunate tanning disaster of a friend in my airbrush tanning article. In situations like this, you can ask the associates at the salon what color might be appropriate for your skin tone.

There are also preparations you can do beforehand to make sure the outcome of your tan is natural and even. One important tip is to exfoliate with an oil-free product before going to the tanning salon. The solution affects only dead skin so, by getting rid of the layers of build-up at the surface, it will help your tan last a lot longer. And it’ll also keep the color even over your entire body. Don’t put on lotion or any oil after your exfoliation as it’ll prevent the tan from bonding with your skin.

You should also not wear deodorant, make-up, or moisturizer when you’re planning to tan. The problem being that you don’t know what kind of product would react badly with the spray tan solution. It also creates a barrier between your skin and the solution, thus preventing it from giving you the proper tan that you’re looking for.

Although this might seem like a no-brainer, it’s definitely worth mentioning. Even when the spray tan solution “dries” (within minutes or sometimes even quicker, especially if you towel off), it still needs a certain amount of time to fully “set” — think certain BB cream and make-up setting sprays. So it’s better if you wear or bring looser clothing and shoes (probably flip-flops) to change into — giving the solution ample time to set. This will extend the life of your tan so keep this tip in mind.

If you’re someone who shaves daily, you should find the time to do so before you take the trip to the tanning salon. If you shave after your tan (say, the night of), you will take off part of your tan in addition to the hair you intended to get rid of. If your spray tanning solution involves bronzer, then you should shave or wax a day or two prior, as bronzer tends to settle in newly exposed pores.

These are just some basic tips – nice to know before venturing into spray tanning. You can definitely ask the people working at the tanning salons more detailed questions.

Have you ever had a spray tan before? Was it successful or more of a Ross fiasco? If you’ve never spray tanned before, would you consider doing so for that sought-after healthy glow?

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About the author /

Ana has always been passionate about Beauty and Fashion. After graduating from Miriam College with a degree in Communication Arts, she pursued her long-time dream to become a make-up artist. Ana completed Hi-Def (HD) Beauty & Fashion Makeup and Hi-Def Pro Airbursh Makeup training at HD Makeup Studio & Academy. With her background in PR and Marketing, Ana is also a Social Media Maven.
Offline, Ana loves traveling, reading books, cooking, and anything related to beauty, fashion, technology, cars and entertainment.

Have you ever devoured almost half a gallon of ice cream in one sitting, and then feeling ashamed after doing so? If yes, then you are guilty of binge eating. Get rid of your urge to binge eat in 57 Seconds.

Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.

Do you use food as an incredible source of comfort?

Have you ever devoured almost half a gallon of ice cream in one sitting, and then feeling ashamed after doing so? If yes, then you are guilty of binge eating. Get rid of your urge to binge eat in 57 Seconds.